Harold Arthur Mccracken

Harold Arthur McCracken graduated from this earthly existence on July 13, 2018, with his sweetheart, Cleo, close by. All those whom he has served and loved know that he graduated with honor.

Born in Tetonia, Idaho, on October 14, 1927 to Demar and Lucille Chase McCracken, he grew up working beside his father and grandfather and loving the hills, streams, and adventures of the Teton Basin. This love only grew fonder    throughout his life, as his car almost automatically headed that direction when there was time for fishing, camping, or just a drive.

When he was only 10, after medical efforts to fight cancer had been exhausted, Harold’s father passed away. He and his mother and sister, Mona, were left alone for only a few months until Lucille married Elmer Beard, and once again Harold had a loving dad and soon two brothers, Aaron and Leon.  He spoke often of his love and appreciation for this wonderful Dad.

Graduation from high school happened just after the end of the war, but Harold still was drawn to serve his country for two years in the marines. Upon his return home and with a load of dirty clothes, he visited the White Star Laundry for help and there met a beautiful young woman, Coila Speas.  He quickly crossed the street, made a call from a payphone to the laundry and asked her out on a date.  It didn’t take Harold long to talk her into marrying him.  They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Harold had found employment at Bonneville Lumber Company, convincing them that he could build anything. With the help of an understanding and trusting employer, the ability to work hard, remarkable integrity, and by constantly taking advantage of learning opportunities, he worked his way to Construction Sales Manager.  He was associated with lumber yards for his entire career, serving many families and businesses, as he supported his family.

Harold and Coila welcomed six children into the world, Sharlene, Kevin, Sandi, Marsha, Louise, and Carol. In 1975, after a lingering illness, Coila passed away.  Harold later married Cleo Barker, which. fortunately, added one more daughter and three sons to his family.

Service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was always a very important part of his life. Serving in many callings from a scout leader to stake patriarch to temple worker filled the hours of his life and endeared him to the hearts of many.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife Coila, daughters Louise and Carol, sons John and Joe, parents, sister, brothers, and son-in-law. He is survived by his wife Cleo, daughter Sharlene (Ronnie) Smith, son Kevin (Marilyn), daughter Sandi (Bruce) Hemming, daughter Marsha (Dean) Burdick, daughter Barbara (Dale) Scott, son Rob (Kally) Barker, 29 grandchildren, 91 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

“Happiness is the by-product of a life well lived.” This was true for Harold and for all those his life touched.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, July 19 ^th , at 11:00 a.m. at the Sunnydell LDS Church, 201 West 8000 South, Rexburg, with Viewings Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.  Interment will be in the Sutton Cemetery.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com